The ground quaked beneath Alexander's feet as the orange-furred beast charged, its claws tearing deep grooves into the cracked earth. Its fiery eyes locked onto him, and the air around it shimmered with heat.
Alexander's heart raced as he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the beast's first attack. Its claws struck the ground with such force that shards of rock flew in all directions, one grazing his cheek.
"Focus," he muttered, gripping the makeshift weapon in his hand.
Kaelith's voice echoed from a safe distance. "Keep moving, boy! Don't let it corner you!"
He had no intention of standing still. The beast's sheer size and speed were overwhelming, but its raw power also made it predictable. Each of its movements sent ripples of heat through the air, and Alexander used those subtle cues to anticipate its strikes.
The beast lunged again, jaws snapping inches from his shoulder. He rolled to the side, slamming his weapon against its flank. The impact barely fazed the creature, its metallic fur deflecting the blow like armor.
"Of course, it's tougher," he growled, scrambling to his feet.
The beast growled low, the sound reverberating in his chest. Its glowing eyes narrowed, as if recognizing that Alexander was more than just prey.
From her perch, Kaelith observed with a sharp gaze. She noted how the beast moved, the way its fiery aura pulsed with its breathing.
"This is a good match," she murmured to herself. "Let's see if you can think on your feet, Alexander."
The heat radiating from the beast was stifling, and Alexander could feel his body weakening with each passing moment. His mind raced as he searched for an opening, something he could exploit.
Then he noticed it—the faint flicker of orange light along the beast's spine, just below its neck. It was subtle, but it pulsed in time with the glow in its eyes.
"That's it," he thought. "The core is there."
But getting close enough to strike it was another matter entirely. The beast moved like a predator, each step deliberate and powerful.
Alexander darted to the left, drawing the creature's attention. He picked up a loose rock and hurled it at the beast's head. The stone struck its snout with a dull thud, causing the creature to flinch.
"Got you," he muttered, sprinting forward.
He aimed for the glowing spot on its spine, his makeshift weapon raised high. But the beast recovered faster than he anticipated. It spun around, its tail sweeping across the ground like a whip.
The impact sent Alexander flying, his body crashing into the jagged rocks. Pain flared through his back, but he forced himself to stand.
Kaelith shook her head, her voice carrying over the battlefield. "Too slow! You'll never win like that!"
"Thanks for the encouragement," Alexander spat, wiping blood from his lip.
The beast roared, its fiery aura intensifying. The heat in the air grew oppressive, and Alexander realized he couldn't keep dodging forever.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering himself. The amber essence he had absorbed earlier still lingered within him, a faint warmth in his core. He focused on it, drawing it out.
When he opened his eyes, his vision seemed sharper, the world around him more vivid. The beast's movements became clearer, its patterns easier to predict.
"Alright," he muttered, gripping his weapon tightly. "Let's try this again."
The beast charged, its claws aimed directly at him. But this time, Alexander didn't dodge. He sidestepped at the last possible moment, his weapon slashing across the creature's side.
The blow wasn't deep, but it was enough to make the beast stagger. Alexander pressed his advantage, landing another strike near its hind leg.
The beast roared in fury, its fiery aura flaring like an inferno. Alexander shielded his face as the heat surged around him.
"Over here, you overgrown torch!" he shouted, hurling another rock at its head.
The beast turned, its glowing eyes narrowing. It lunged at him, jaws snapping, but Alexander was ready. He slid beneath the creature, his weapon aimed for the glowing core on its spine.
The jagged edge of his weapon struck true, sinking into the pulsing light. The beast let out a deafening roar, its body convulsing as the glow in its eyes began to fade.
Alexander rolled to safety as the creature collapsed, its massive form heaving with its final breaths.
Kaelith approached as the orange essence began to seep from the beast's body, forming a faintly glowing orb.
"Impressive," she said, her tone light but laced with genuine approval.
Alexander staggered to his feet, every muscle in his body aching. "That… was a lot tougher than the last one."
Kaelith smirked, picking up the orb and holding it out to him. "It should be. The higher the essence color, the stronger the beast. Take it. You've earned this."
He hesitated before taking the orb. The moment it touched his skin, the energy flowed into him, burning like liquid fire. His wounds began to heal, and a new surge of strength coursed through his veins.
Kaelith observed him closely, noting how his aura flickered briefly with traces of orange. "You're adapting faster than I expected," she said, almost to herself.
Alexander looked at her, his expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. "What's next?"
Kaelith's smirk widened. "Eager, are we? Rest for now. You'll need it."
She turned, her golden eyes scanning the horizon. "The trials only get harder from here."
Alexander nodded, his grip on the orb tightening. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he was determined to keep moving forward.
From a distant vantage point, a pair of eyes watched the scene unfold. The figure's lips curled into a sinister smile.
"So, the boy survived," the figure murmured. "Interesting."
The figure turned, disappearing into the shadows. The game was only just beginning.